Western Intelligence Warns Iran May Strike Israel First Amid Rising Tensions

Western intelligence agencies assess that Iran might seek to provoke Israel into conflict and could initiate an attack first, exploiting Israel's reluctance for war and its strained relations with Washington, according to a report by Nadav Eyal on Ynet. In anticipation of a possible escalation over the weekend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene the security cabinet tomorrow. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces have informed authorities that Home Front Command instructions remain unchanged, with no current orders to open public bomb shelters; any updates will be communicated through official channels.

Regarding the scale of a potential strike, U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an Axios interview that he is considering a "massive and unprecedented" attack on Iran and is close to making a decision. Trump emphasized that the United States is prepared to act independently but noted that Israel would join within minutes if requested. He also warned that Israeli involvement could provoke Iranian retaliation. Trump further commented that while Iran desires negotiations, it is not ready for an agreement because "they have not suffered enough pain." Regional sources confirmed that Tehran rejected the latest U.S. proposal.